Twas the day after Thanksgiving, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Maryellen . . . who was on her second draft of a Christmas wish list.
All the big girls had gone out for 50% off on jeggings at Old Navy, so it was just Maryellen, Tutu, and some Christmas music on the the ol’ record player.
Christmas lists were something Maryellen took very seriously. In such a big family, Christmas was a rare opportunity to get something new.
The back door slammed shut and in walked Josefina.
“Josie, I thought you went to the mall. What’s in the paper bag?”
“I went to the grocery store. It was really quiet there! I’m just in the mood for something different to eat. I’ve had all the turkey I can take!”
“Come join me in the kitchen if you want to help.”
Maryellen jumped at the opportunity to spend time alone with Josefina.
She called out, “Hey! wait for me!”
Josefina was unpacking the groceries.
“Looks like Grace went a little overboard on the pastries,” Josefina said. “There’s barely any room for food!”
“What are we making, Josefina? I want to help! Why is there a tomato on the counter? Are you making salads?”
Maryellen’s questions made Josefina a bit annoyed, but she let it slide.
“I’m making something Italian that serves a crowd – lasagna! You can help by chopping some tomatoes while I finish unpacking groceries,” said Josefina.
Maryellen was in awe of the way Josefina knew how to make lasagna without even using a recipe. She vowed to try to spend more time in the kitchen so she could be as good as Josie some day.
Josefina showed Maryellen how to layer the noodles, sauce, and cheese. While it baked in the oven, Maryellen set the table as fancy as she could for her special meal with Josefina.
Josefina was famous for her garlic bread, which was more butter than bread.
Finally the golden, cheesy lasagna came out of the oven, and it was just Maryellen and Josefina enjoying the quiet in the house and eating something that was definitely not turkey!
How was your Thanksgiving? Josefina appears in the story for my Mother-in-Law, who is a Josefina fan. The lasagna set was my purchase from the Toys r Us AG launch a few weeks ago. It was kind of a frivolous purchase, but look at it! No regrets.
